Question: I am a new mom and I am concerned about breastfeeding. How do I find support to make sure my baby is getting the nutrition he needs from my breast milk?

Answer: For many moms, breastfeeding their new baby can feel overwhelming. There is sometimes an unspoken pressure that causes women to feel like they should automatically know what to do and that their baby will happily follow along. As many new moms know, this is not always the case and that is why it is important to know that compassionate support is available to get you and your new baby off to a healthy start.

We know that breastfeeding is very beneficial for infants. Breast milk contains enzymes, growth factors, anti-parasites, anti-allergens, anti-viral properties, anti-cancer agents, hormones, antibodies and stem cells that cannot be found in formula. Research has shown that infants who are breastfed have lower risks of ear infections, respiratory infections and diarrheal infections. Breastfed infants also have a decreased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and a lower risk of obesity later in life. There are also cost savings associated with breastfeeding as families who breastfeed save on average $1000 to $1800 a year.

With all that said, sometimes breastfeeding does not go as smoothly as expected. A lactation consult with a trained lactation nurse is an important way to ensure your new baby receives all of the health benefits of breast milk.

Lactation consults are beneficial in helping new moms with latch or milk supply concerns, providing emotional support and also ensuring a baby gains the appropriate amount of weight needed for optimal health.

During a lactation consult, the lactation nurse partners with the new mom to learn more about her medical history, her labor and delivery, and the eating and stooling patterns of her infant to determine the mom and baby’s specific needs. The lactation nurse and mom then create a breastfeeding plan that can include feed time patterns, latch support and guidance, and weight gain goals for the baby.

Many moms find that a lactation consult gives them the support they need to make breastfeeding easier and eliminate worry in order to provide the best nutrition for their new babies.

To learn more about a lactation consult at CentraCare Health – Monticello, or to schedule an appointment with one of our seven certified lactation nurses, call 763-271-2218.